You Can Help With Snow Removal-- Winter Preparedness Tips

The state and the
county do not clear snow and ice from public walkways (sidewalks and
trails). While not legally obligated, residents and businesses are
asked to help keep sidewalks safe. They should, as soon as feasible,
clear snow off the sidewalks in front of their property so that all
pedestrians, especially school children, those with disabilities and the
elderly, may walk securely. Homeowner associations may require members of
their communities to clear walkways abutting their property. Contact your
association or property manager for further information.

10 Simple Steps to Help With Snow Removal

1. Start a neighborhood team to help shovel snow for elderly and
those unable to shovel.

2. Residents and businesses should ensure
all accessible parking spaces for people with disabilities are
cleared of snow and ice.

3. Don’t put trash cans and recycling bins out until after the
plows have come.

4. If possible, remove parked cars from the road. Navigating
around objects severely hampers a plow or heavy equipment driver’s
ability to clear the roads and costs valuable time.

5. Clear snow away from fire hydrants in your neighborhood. Ask
neighbors to adopt a fire hydrant and clear snow and ice away from
all hydrants so that they are easily visible in the event of a
fire.

6. Shovel snow into the yard instead of into the street to
minimize the problem of the snowplow covering your driveway with snow
after you've just shoveled it.

7. Keep the openings of storm drains clear of snow and debris to
help alleviate potential flooding and to protect the environment. (At no
time, however, should a resident attempt to enter a storm drain to remove
debris.)

8. Remove all portable basketball hoops from the road when
possible.

9. Volunteer to use equipment you may have such as small snow
blowers for a community removal effort.

10. Driving on snow is dangerous and packs the snow into compact sheets
that turn to ice, making it much harder and more expensive to remove.
If possible, don’t attempt to drive before the plows come to your
neighborhood.